Tag Archives: Nevada Economy

In 2014 approximately 66,000 people made their way to Burning Man in the Nevada desert. We all had to get there one way or the other via plane, bus, or automobile. We all traveled through or from Nevada. There is no doubt the influx of people traveling to Burning Man has an impact on the Nevada economy. But just how much money do Burners really spend? It’s a fair question, given it does cost the state money to host the event. As seen below, slightly less than 60% of our participants spend between $250.00 to $2,500 in Nevada before or after the event. In looking at both ends of the graph 37% spend $250.00 or less and just over 3% spend more than $2,500. The estimated direct spending by participants in Nevada for 2014 was $45 million. No small change! Let’s look at how this spending has been changing over time: The next question is how do we spend our money in Nevada? You can see from the graph below most of us spend our money on things we need to attend the event. No matter how you get to Burning Man, you will need to eat and get gas along the way, at the very least. Others sleep the night and some even recreate in the Silver State. If my fellow Burners are like me you may also find yourself buying a few last minute supplies (or even a whole camp’s worth) to make your experience more comfortable or enjoyable while you are a citizen of Black Rock City. Do we stop along the way and visit Nevada’s other attractions? The answer to that question is a definite “yes.” 25% of our participants visited a park or recreation area on their way to or from the event. Coming from Oregon, my group does take the time to look for new parks and areas to explore on our way to and from Black Rock City. Part of the experience is getting to and from Burning Man. Enjoy your trip this year, fellow Burners, and please do be responsible guests in Nevada.

2014 approximately 69,000 people made their way to Burning Man in the Nevada desert. We all had to get there one way or the other via plane, bus, or automobile. We all traveled to, through and from Nevada.

There is no doubt the influx of people traveling to Burning Man has an impact on the Nevada economy. But just how much money do Burners really spend? It’s a fair question, since Burning Man bring tourist dollars to the state.

The total projected dollars spent in Nevada by Burners in 2014 was $45 million. When you look at the trend over the last 3 years total spend in Nevada went from $42 million 2012 up to $55 million in 2013 and back down to 45 million in 2014. Why the fluctuation? That’s a good question and if you look at how we spend our money while in Nevada gas is a big purchase. According to the U.S.

Energy Information website http://www.eia.gov gas prices in August 2012 were $3.36 a gallon, 2013 gas was at a high of $3.65 a gallon and in 2014 the price of a gallon of gas was back down to $3.36.

Projected spend based on Self-Reported Spend from 2012-2014

A little less than 60% of our participants spend between $250.00 to $2,500 per person in Nevada before or after the event. In looking at both ends of the graph 37% spend $250.00 or less and just under 3% spend between $2,500 and more than $5,000.

Self-Reported Burner Spending in Nevada

question is: how do we spend our money in Nevada? You can see from the graph below most of us spend our money on things we need to attend the event. No matter how you get to The Burning Man, you will need to eat, get gas, and stay somewhere along the way. If my fellow Burners are like me, you may also find yourself buying a few last minute supplies to make your experience more comfortable or enjoyable while you are a citizen of Black Rock City.

Categorized Self Reported Nevada Spend

Do we stop along the way and visit Nevada’s other attractions? The answer to that question is a definite “yes.” 25% of our participants visit a Nevada park or recreation area on their way to or from the event. I know coming from Oregon we do take the time to look for new parks and areas to explore on our way to and from Black Rock City. Part of the experience is getting to and from Burning Man. As Burning Man 2015 is less than four months away, this data reminds us of the excitement that is to come, and may provide some new ideas for your journey this August. Enjoy your trip this year, fellow Burners, and please do be responsible guests.